What Solar Panels Does Tesla Solar Panels Use
Many companies that simply install solar panels will partner with brands like LG or Panasonic to use their specific options on the roof of homes around the country. However, Tesla creates their own 425-watt panels that they use in specific grid patterns on customers homes.
Solar panels from Tesla are very sleek looking, and the visible grid is less obvious than it is with other providers. These panels weigh 47.4 pounds, and they have a black anodized aluminum frame. Each of the panels is 82.4 x 40.9 x 1.57 .
The operating temperature of a Tesla solar panel is between -40°F to +185°F. This ensures that energy usage will not be an issue regardless of your location. From New York to Alaska to Florida, Tesla solar panels are built to last.
Solar Services & Cost
One of the first things that come to mind with some homeowners is that Tesla panels will be expensive. Tesla has sort of a high-end look to almost everything they do, and the solar services and costs can scare some people away. However, we were conducting our solar reviews we found that the Tesla products are no more expensive than many of the others on the market.
One of the things to remember here is that the size of your home and current energy needs will significantly play into your total out-of-pocket expense. The larger the home you have, the more you use energy, and the more electric vehicles you have, the higher your Tesla solar installation will be.
With the Tesla solar panels, you also get a Tesla Powerwall Backup. This will store extra energy so that during a power outage, you still have backup power to control the home. Think of this almost as having a home generator installed at the same time as your roof system.
Tesla Solar Roof
The Tesla Solar Roof is a completely new roof that has solar shingles. Instead of putting solar panels on the roof, you would get a new roof with the panels built into the shingles. This is the highest price point from Tesla for a solar energy package for a home.
Tesla Solar Panels
Tesla Solar panels are sold in 12, 24, 36, and 48-panel packages. Depending on the size of your home, you will be able to choose the low-profile package that fits your energy needs and your budget.
Tesla Powerwall
How Much Does Tesla Solar Panels Cost?
Tesla Solar Review: 2022
In this article: Our Take | State Availability | Solar Panel Options | Installation and Services | Warranties | Cost and Payment Options | Reviews | Competitor Comparison | Making Your Decision | FAQs | Methodology
Tesla is known for its electric vehicles , but since acquiring SolarCity in 2016, its entered into the residential solar energy space. Namely, its built a reputation for high-quality solar products and its innovative solar roof.
Does that mean the company is right for your home? This review covers Teslas panel options, warranties, services and costs to help you make a decision. It also compares Tesla to other top installers based on our research on the best solar companies in the United States.
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I Wish I Would Have Researched This
I wish I would have researched this company before making my purchase. I purchase an S and the service is horrific. I came from a BMW where customer service was amazing. I had my passenger door not able to open with the button or open the window. The only way to get out was to open with emergency release and have the driver open the window. After 4 months I had to lie to them to come out, to figure out that the last person that serviced my vehicle never reconnected my door as I suspected. My recommendation to you, dont buy a Tesla, you will be left stranded and the only way to communicate with them is via text. My car is less than a year old and I will be getting rid of it for the new BMW EV coming out in 2023.
Date of experience:October 12, 2022
Leaky Roofs Wrangling With Local Utilities And Customer
Customers who had their Solar Roofs installed ahead of the price hike have also run into problems with Tesla’s customer service.
After signing up for a roof in October, the software engineer Vladimir Vukicevic was frequently met with weekslong radio silence from various departments at Tesla as well as his dedicated “project advisor,” he said. At one point, he got through to a different project advisor who told him staff were overworked, Vukicevic said.
He had his Solar Roof was installed at the end of February. Vukicevic said the crew left some holes that he had to patch himself but that he was fairly happy with the work.
He then spent three months trying to get Tesla to submit the correct documentation to his local utility and was unable to turn the roof on during that time, he said. Vukicevic said he would routinely email Tesla and receive no response. After contacting the utility, he was informed Tesla had filled in paperwork incorrectly, meaning he was unable to move the issue without Tesla’s help.
“It’s extremely frustrating. These are simple things, mistakes made out of carelessness or overwork. I can understand those, but the lack of any communication is infuriating for a $60,000 product,” Vukicevic said.
The issue was eventually resolved, he said.
Similarly, a customer who asked to be identified only as Harry said his installation went well but that Tesla failed to complete the administrative steps to get the system up and running.
Phillip Anderson
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Increased Power Output Via Software Update
Earlier in 2021, Tesla announced a new software update that can increase the continuous and peak power rating by up to 50% on some later model Powerwalls. However, the increased power is only available at ambient temperatures up to 30C. This was enabled after analysing years of operational data and determining there were no detrimental effects. Several competing battery systems above 10kWh can output up to 8kW continuous and 10kW+ surge, so its not surprising the Tesla Powerwall had some hidden capacity available.
Tesla Solar Panel Warranties
All Tesla solar panels come with a 25-year performance guarantee and a 10-year comprehensive warranty. The comprehensive warranty covers repairs and replacements of any solar system components.
The 25-year performance guarantee states that the panels will perform for at least 80% of the manufacturers nameplate power capacity for at least 25 years. Other solar providers tend to offer performance guarantees with no power capacity conditions.
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How Much Do You Save With Tesla Solar Panels
Again, this depends on your electricity usage. With the smallest available Tesla solar setup, youre getting 425 kW of power per day in perfect conditions. If youre using this much or less power on a daily basis, youll be getting 100% free electricity!
For most homes, youll have paid back the systems initial cost within 510 years depending on the system you choose, where you live, and how much sun youre getting per day.
Powerwall Plus Main Features And Specifications
Tesla Powerwall+
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AC-coupled battery with integrated inverter/charger and Solar Inverter
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7.6kW Solar Inverter with 4 MPPTs = Max solar capacity 12.9kW
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On-grid power rating = 5.8kW continuous, 7.6kW peak output rating
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Off-grid power rating = 7kW continuous, 10kW peak output rating
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Advanced liquid thermal management system
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10-year warranty with a minimum 70% retained capacity*
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Price: US$10,800 – TBC – Plus backup gateway may be required**
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Available in the US only, not available in Australia or the EU
* Based on information available at the time of writing. ** Subject to change. Does not include installation, solar panels, or additional components.
See the full Tesla Powerwall+ specification datasheet
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The Best Alternative To Tesla Solar Panels
If youre looking at alternatives to Tesla solar panels, you could consider options from similar solar panel manufacturers like Sunpower or Sunrun. Those companies dont have the same number of complaints that Tesla does.
Alternatively, if youre looking for something even better than solar, you can consider other options for sustainable and renewable energy production, like the groundbreaking products made by Alternative Sustainability.
The ECap Rack, for example, is a self-contained unit that can produce much more energy than a solar panel array without taking up any roof space. Better yet, they fit in an overall smaller footprint, saving you space.
Using the same general principle as giant wind turbines, the ECap Rack is an air-powered turbine that can be fitted on top, inside, or near a residential home, taking up just 7.5 square feet of floor space. Once its there, it uses the power of air to generate clean energy. Its like a giant wind turbine, just on a much smaller scale.
The ECap Rack has the key benefit of solar panels: namely, the ability to generate renewable energy using an existing resource that you already have access to. However, it comes with none of the downsides.
For one, the ECap Rack works whether theres sunlight or not. A single ECap Rack can produce up to 3,000 watts. To match that with solar energy in a year, you would need at least 40 solar panels rated at 300 watts. Think of the space that you can save.
How Are Tesla Solar Panels Installed
Ordering Tesla panels is very simple you simply go to their website and answer a few questions to find the best system for your needs.
Once you place the order, the Tesla crew will arrive at a mutually agreed-upon time and install for you.
Teslas solar panels are mounted on specialized racks that are water-resistant and made specifically to hold Tesla-designed solar panels.
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Multiple Powerwalls For Greater Storage Needs
The Powerwall 2 can be stacked for more storage capacity with up to 3 modules per phase
For larger capacity systems, the Powerwall can be set up in split or 3 phase configurations with up to nine Powerwalls linked together. Although, the additional Gateway unit is required for these complex installations. The maximum capacity per phase is 3 Powerwalls which provides an impressive 40.5kWh of total storage capacity, which is more than enough for most standard households. However, considering EV charging from home can use in excess of 50kWh, it has the potential to charge an EV primarily using stored energy.
Tesla Solar Panel Reviews
Overall, Tesla Solar has mixed reviews on its Better Business Bureau profile. However, these reviews are for all of Teslas products, not just its solar products. The company features an A+ rating and does not have accreditation.*
Critical reviews of Teslas solar panels mention communication and scheduling difficulties. Meanwhile, other customers praised the company for its solar systems integration, equipment quality and savings.
We reached out to Tesla about these negative comments as well as about the vague language in the warranty and long wait times for service, but we had not received a reply as of the publication date of this article.
Read over some Tesla customers experiences below.
The whole procedure was smooth and easy for me. Neal was an excellent advisor, clear, concise and knowledgeable. The installation company kept me up to date via email. It took very little effort on my part. My electricity bill has $0.00 for the last three months! Randy W. via BBB
After researching for months about switching to Solar Panels we decided to go with Tesla Energy Solar, its been really a good experience. Installation and City Permits everything done quick and so far so good. Its been almost a since we did it. Rocio A. via BBB
*Better Business Bureau information is accurate as of July 2022.
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Tesla Solar Customer Reviews
Weve covered the basics of what Tesla Solar has to offer in terms of products, services and financing, so now lets dive into what its customers have to say about the experience.
As mentioned previously, a lot of Tesla Solar customers have complained about the providers spotty customer service. However, Tesla Solar also has hundreds of happy customers who rave about the quality of Teslas solar installation and products.
Before we dive into some perspectives, wed like to mention that, because Tesla is a national company, your experience may vary depending on the installation companies in your area. For example, Tesla solar might be a good choice for homeowners in California, but not in upstate New York. We recommend finding reviews from people in your area, as youll likely have a similar installation experience to theirs.
Tesla Solar Panel Options
Tesla offers high-quality Q Cells panels with a low profile. Theyre made from black anodized aluminum and interlock to form one solid solar power array, or group of solar panels. The panels are durable and withstand temperatures up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Each panel weighs around 47 pounds and produces approximately 425 watts of energy.
Tesla offers solar panel systems in standardized sizes based on energy output. This streamlines the purchasing process but limits your ability to customize the system to your home. You can also opt for Teslas solar roof, which replaces your roof tiles with mini-solar panels called solar shingles. We recommend this option if youre planning to install a new roof.
Teslas Powerwall battery is one of the most popular solar energy storage products. It collects excess energy produced by your solar power system to use at night or during a power outage.
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How Strong Are Tesla Solar Panels
Tesla solar panels come with a 25-year warranty, so you can be sure that they are pretty durable and reliable.
Tesla solar panels are more resistant to hail and wind than most other available solar panels, too
- While most panels are tested against their resistance to 1-inch hail
- Tesla panels can easily withstand hail up to 1.75-inches.
What Do I Get From Tesla Solar Panels
Tesla offers four sizes of solar panel installations measured in kilowatts: 4.8, 9.6, 14.4 and 19.2kW. Tesla allows you to package your solar panel purchase with a Powerwall, its well-regarded battery system that can store power for use during surge pricing, outages or after the sun sets.
As you might expect, Tesla boasts about its panels’ sleek, low-profile design. To my eye, Tesla’s installations are indeed less obtrusive than others. If that’s important to you, Tesla has an advantage here.
Unless you’re really particular about who manufactures your panels, what’s really important is how long they’ll last and how well they’ll work. Tesla’s warranty says your panels are guaranteed to work at 85% capacity after 25 years or it will replace them. That’s roughly in line with other major companies, though stronger than some.
Tesla’s solar panels have maximum efficiency ratings that range from 19.3% to 20.6%, which compare favorably with other panels .
Tesla’s first foray into solar power was not with panels, but with storage. Its Powerwall battery is still one of the top choices in the industry, to the point that other major solar companies offer the Powerwall with their installations.
Tesla’s warranty says your panels are guaranteed to work at 80% capacity for 25 years or it will replace them.
Powerwall’s warranty guarantees that the battery will hold at least 70% of its rated capacity after 10 years .
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Pros And Cons Of Tesla Solar Panels
Allows customers to receive an instant online quote Offers a solar panel price-match guarantee Provides 24/7 solar panel monitoring through their mobile app
Customer service can have lengthy long wait times for repairs Powerwall battery systems are not available for purchase separately
Is Tesla Solar A Good Deal
In terms of price and quality, lease and solar loan options, plus ease of ordering and installation, Tesla solar seems like the obvious choice.
However, the lack of customer service is slightly worrying, considering youll be dealing with Tesla for up to 25 years, and the lack of customization is not ideal either.
For those looking for a smaller solar setup, or a setup more specifically tailored to their needs, contacting your local solar installer may be a better choice.
Still, Tesla offers a solar system that is incredibly high quality for a surprisingly low price and will install it for you too.
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Tesla Solar Roof Cost
We evaluated a typical house in California with a 2,000-sqare-foot roof and an average electric bill of $150 per month. According to Tesla, such a home would require a 6.14 kilowatt Solar Roof. Along with the recommended Powerwall, this would cost $48,300 after factoring in incentives like the federal tax credit .
Without an energy storage system, the roof would cost about $45,200. Tesla also charges for tearing off an existing roof. In this example, roof removal costs $7,700.
Heres a breakdown of Tesla roof pricing for the home we analyzed:
| Tesla Roof Cost Factor |
Tesla Solar Customer Service
Tesla Energy receives mixed reviews for its customer service, especially regarding post-installation support. Some customer complaints said the system was installed months prior but hadnt received interconnection approval, so they werent receiving credits for the solar energy on their utility bills.
Tesla bought out Solar City, and its customer service did seem to improve after that, but not dramatically.
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Tesla Solar Panel Money Faq
Can you make money with Tesla solar?
Technically, no, but you can most certainly save a lot of money by not using grid electricity, or making money as a certified Tesla solar installer.
How much do Tesla solar installers and roofers make?
In general, a typical Tesla solar installer makes $22 an hour, depending on their experience and exact position. Tesla solar installer salaries range from $10-$32 per hour.
How much does it cost to remove Tesla solar panels?
If youre leasing Tesla solar and want or need to get out of the lease, there are no penalties or extra costs. However, Tesla charges $1,500 to come and remove all the panels and components.
